MP Matt King (left), Harko Brown and daughter Yves with Craig Neustroski at the Trustpower Community Awards. Photo / Trustpower
A Far North group whose promotion of traditional Māori games has achieved global recognition was the big winner at this year's Trustpower Far North community awards, presented in Waitangi on Tuesday night.
Trustpower's Abbie Siely said the KaiMatariki Trust, founded by physical education teacher turned Māori games exponent Harko Brown,
stood out for the judges because of its global impact.
"KaiMatariki Trust has gained an international reputation as a leader in the preservation and celebration of indigenous culture through its focus on traditional Māori games and customs," she said.
"Through the promotion of nga taonga takoro (including stick, ball and string games, kapa haka, weaving, oratory, values coaching, physical fitness and kite-flying), the trust builds life skills amongst, and creates opportunities for, its members."
Over the last year the group had participated in a number of events, and cemented its place amongst indigenous groups internationally.
